Montana State University recognized for bringing clean water to Kenya

November 22, 2011

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State University was named the winner of a prestigious national award for the contributions its students have made in bringing clean water to a region in Kenya through the MSU chapter of Engineers Without Borders, according to a press release.

The C. Peter Magrath University Community Engagement Award, which is presented annually by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, recognizes a four-year public university that embraces outreach and community engagement and comes with a $20,000 prize.

Since 2004, more than 80 MSU students from many disciplines and majors have traveled to Khwisero, Kenya, where they have built seven deep-water wells and 10 composting latrines in an effort to decrease the rate of waterborne illnesses.

“The students in our group have such a passion for development work and for helping people,” said MSU student Katie Ritter. “To be nationally recognized for what we do is amazing.”